New Waffle Cart

This morning I had a great experience with two of my co-workers. We tried a new food cart near the PSU campus, Parkers Waffles and Coffee - which was incredible.

I tried the Southern Chocolate Grilled Banana waffle which had grilled banana's, pecans & chocolate hazelnut spread. Probably too sweet for a normal breakfast but it was really good. I totally recommend if you are ever in downtown Portland on a weekday morning to stopping my the cart on 4th Avenue. Its run by a very friendly couple who love to chat as they make waffles.
Their website is http://parkerswaffles.com/

Tiah

Middlekauff Family Reunion

This weekend was the annual Middlekauff Family Reunion. It was a gorgeous day in West Seattle, sunny and warm with a cool sea breeze, perfect sitting in the shade weather.

Jean made a wonderful lunch which everyone enjoyed with an amazing Cherry Clafoutis for dessert with Lapin Cherries, which is a dark cherry similar to a Bing.

Bob shared stories about growing up with Dorothy which is always a welcoming treat to hear. And then stories about Carl, Steve, & Jean as children were told.

Next year will be both John & Nancy's 90th birthdays, hopefully all 24 of us Middlekauff's will be able to attend.

Tiah

Berry Picking

This last week I went to Sauvie Island for berry picking with my friends Annie, Sarah & her little boy Caleb. Of course we had to choose the hottest part of the day and one of the warmest days of the year to do this. Although we had a lot of fun.

We picked boysenberries, blueberries, marionberries & a very small amount of raspberries. We were either a little too late or a little too early for the raspberries, possibly both. All together we picked 10 pounds of fruit which we took home & froze.

We finished the day with purple fingers and full from eating fresh berries.

Tiah

Summer!!!

Well I am just starting my first summer here in Cheney, and it should be interesting! I am taking two classes, although I one of them hasn't started. But other than that this is my first summer that I dont have a job, but I'm still looking. It should be nice and relaxing or at least that is what I am hoping for! So far I have been passing the days by going to Fish Lake which is about ten minutes outside of Cheney with my friend shannon and soaking up the sun and reading! It should be a fun summer!

Lazy Sunday

It is extremely hectic at work right now, so it was really nice to have a lazy Sunday.

I had spent the night at my friend Marcia's while her husband was on a fishing trip to help with the baby. I was able to sleep in a few hours which is always nice and then we slowly got ready for the day. We then took Mayson (2 months old) in the stroller and the dog and walked to a coffee shop a few blocks away. We got coffee & split a really yummy slice of banana bread. Then we set off for the Montavilla Farmer's Market, which was small but a nice variety of fresh fruits & veggies.

On our way back we ran across a tiny mole, running across the sidewalk and down the street. This was our first sighting of a wild creature with Mayson. But he was unimpressed and went back to sleep.Marcia's Grandpa then showed up with his Honda CRV for Marcia to test drive. He had heard she was looking for a new car with more room and he thought she might like to take a look at his small SUV.

Mayson and I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out while Marcia did housework. It seemed like a good trade. I got to play with the baby & she got to vacuum & shampoo the stairs.
Here's a cute picture of Mayson in the new Owl outfit I got him.

Janapese Hot Pot

This week my friend Azumi from Tokyo Japan was visiting. We have had a wonderful time shopping, getting pedicures, and visiting. She also came over and taught my roommates and I how to make Japanese Hot Pot.

What we put into the Hot Pot:

Moshi pieces (pounded rice patties)

Cabbage

White Onions

Undon Noodles

Mushrooms (which I stayed away from)

Beef, thinly sliced

Tofu

This was all cooked in a boiling broth for 10 minutes and then we added citrus soy sauce to our bowls. It was very yummy and I'msure we will end up making this quite often during the winter months.

Tiah

Party Decorations

Saturday was my friend Danielle's wedding and I was the on the decorating crew for the reception.

The decorating took almost longer then the reception itself. Somehow I was volunteered to hang material from the ceiling of the ballroom. So, I had to climb on this gigantic ladder, stand atop this tiny little platform and hammer the material onto this tiny ledge right below the ceiling. The effect was beautiful, however I am not a professional, nor do I ever want to be. It was an experience.

It was an outdoor wedding in Colton, OR and this being western Oregon in June, it did rain. Although it wasn't a bad rain. Both the wedding and the reception turned out beautiful.

Tiah